Scottish independence: Poll backs tax-raising powers for England, but not London

Alex Salmond’s campaign to lead Scotland to independence will be put to voters north of the border on September 18.

A majority of Britons say England should get the same extra tax-raising powers that are being offered to Scotland, a poll reveals today.

But they oppose the call made by London business chiefs recently for the capital and other major cities to have similar powers.

New research by Ipsos MORI reveals that the British public want devolution outside Scotland, but they think it should be to England and to Wales rather than to cities or regions.

The poll revealed that 55 per cent of the public support the idea that Scotland should gain extra powers from Westminster if its people vote against independence in the referendum being held in September. Some 28 per cent “strongly” support the idea, which is backed by party leaders David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg.

Some 56 per cent backed the same powers for England, with just 25 per cent against. Backing for Wales to have the powers was slightly weaker, at 54 to 30.

But when asked if cities like London or Birmingham should have such powers, the public were against by 55 per cent to 30. The rejection will dismay London First, which has urged Mr Cameron to let the capital keep more of the billions it generates in taxes.

People also opposed regional-style devolution, which was attempted by Tony Blair, by 56 to 30 per cent.

Alex Salmond’s campaign to lead Scotland to independence will be put to voters north of the border on September 18.

Gideon Skinner, head of political research at Ipsos MORI, said: “One of the most interesting aspects of the Scottish referendum is its implications for attitudes to devolution in the rest of the country, regardless of the result. Our research shows that there is support for England and Wales to be given the same powers as are being offered to Scotland, wherever people live in the country.”

Ipsos MORI interviewed 1,001 adults across GB by telephone from June 14–17. Full information at ipsos-mori.com